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Organizations today are looking for a systems delivery strategy that addresses their need for speed, cost containment and flexibility. One of the strategies we have been studying is
object-oriented component assembly. In a component assembly delivery environment, systems are assembled from pre-existing, standardized parts, rather than developed. Components could be built internally, or
purchased externally if available. Assembly might be performed by IS or, as the tools improve, by the business users themselves. Companies that are pursuing this strategy are aiming for massive reductions in
cycle time, and the ability to handle unpredictable, ongoing business change. This paper outlines the efforts of four companies in this area,
examines the issues they are encountering, and compares the different ways in which they are handling these issues. This delivery strategy requires changes in the IS organization including structure, culture
and process and is further complicated by the immaturity of the underlying technology. Changes in the business are also required, particularly with regard to ownership and funding of applications. While
there are clearly risks in choosing this strategy, the potential benefits are correspondingly high. |
